A two-year apprenticeship program is offering Philadelphia high school graduates the chance to step into a full-time job and earn a free associate’s degree, writes Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza for WHYY.

For the third consecutive year, Aon, a global professional services firm that consults for the insurance, health care, and retirement industries, is looking to recruit youth in collaboration with the Philadelphia Apprentice Network and Summer Search.

“We work with clients around those issues of risk, health, and retirement,” said Marc Armstrong, managing principal of Risk Services at Aon. “So we’re basically in the problem-solving business. [To do that] You need diversity of thought, gender, age, and background. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.”

Students can earn $44,000 a year, or roughly $21 an hour along with health insurance, paid time off, and retirement benefits, and earn degrees from the Community College of Philadelphia or Montgomery County Community College at the same time. Up to $7,000 in books and tuition is also covered by the company.

Students have to work in person at Aon’s corporate offices for 40 hours a week while also attending classes and maintaining passing grades.

After apprentices finish the program, they can get a promotion and pay bump.

Armstrong hopes more businesses follow the apprenticeship model.

Read more about the apprenticeship program in WHYY.

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